of the
patriot army, had a very depressing effect. Of this period Dr. Ashbel
Green wrote: "I heard a man of some shrewdness once say, that when the
British troops overran the State of New Jersey, in the closing part of
the year 1776, the whole population could have been bought for
eighteen pence a head."

But however true this statement may have been of the men of New
Jersey, it could not be justly made in regard to its women, one of
whom, at least, did much to stem the tide of panic so strong at this
point where Cornwallis was encamped. A number of men of Elizabeth
assembled one evening in one of the spacious mansions for which this
place was rather famous, to discuss the advisability of accepting the
proposed amnesty. The question was a momentous one, and the discussion
was earnest and protracted. Some were for accepting this proffer at
once; others hesitated; they canvassed the subject from various
points, but finally decided that submission was all that remained to
them. Their hope was gone, and their courage with it; every remnant of
patriotic spirit seemed swept away in the darkness of the hour. But
there was a listener of whom they were ignorant; a woman, Hannah
Arnett, the wife of the host, sitting at her work in an adjoining
room. The discussion had reached her ears, rousing her intense
indignation. She listened until she could sit still no longer;
springing to her feet she pushed open the parlor door, confronting the
amazed men. The writer from whom we glean these facts, says: "Can you
fancy the scene? A large, low room, with the dark, heavy furniture of
the period, dimly lighted by the tall wax candles and the wood fire
which blazed on the hearth. Around the table the group of men, pallid,
gloomy, dejected, disheartened. In the door-way the figure of the
woman in in antique costume, with which in these Centennial days we
have become so familiar. Can you not fancy the proud poise of her
head, the indignant light of her blue eyes, the crisp, clear tones of
her voice, the majesty, and defiance, and scorn, which clothed her as
with a garment?"

The men were appalled and started at the sight. She seemed like some
avenging angel about to bring them to judgment for the words they had
spoken; and, indeed, such she proved. It was strange to see a woman
thus enter the secret councils of men, and her husband hastily
approaching her, whispered: "Hannah, Hannah, this is no place for you,
we do not want you here just n